Method and apparatus for editing and mounting tape containing recorded information

ABSTRACT

Method and apparatus is disclosed for editing and mounting segments of recording tape containing prerecorded visual information, such as segments of an electrocardiogram (ECG) recording tape. The disclosed apparatus includes an editor for storing and feeding the tape past a window through which the tape may be viewed. Upon detection of a desired tape segment, the tape is halted and marked with the aid of a scale mounted adjacent the window opening. Thereafter, the tape is severed at each mark to form a segment having a longitudinal length corresponding to the particular type of information contained on the severed tape segment. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is adapted to process electrocardiographic recording tape and the editor scale includes a zero mark and a plurality of index marks spaced from the zero mark by distances corresponding to the desired longitudinal length of various groups of lead segments such as ECG leads I-III, V1-V6, aVR, aVL and aVF. The method includes mounting the lead segments in a predetermined overlapped sequence in order to display all standard ECG lead segments within an area of 8 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches on a standardized lead segment mounting chart. To assist in alignment of the various lead segments, corresponding alignment holes may be formed in both the lead segments and mounting chart. A base having a plurality of upright pegs is provided to receive the mounting chart and punched segments in a predetermined arrangement.

United States Patent [191 Thatcher June 18, 1974 [76] Inventor: ArthurK. Thatcher, Box 352,

Merritt Island, Fla. 32952 22 Filed: Apr.6, 1973 211 Appl. No.: 348,749

[52.] US. Cl 83/444, 83/518, 83/520, 83/522, 83/607, 83/647, 281/6 [51]Int. Cl B26d 9/00 [58] Field of Search 281/6, 11; 83/449, 520, 83/521,522, 607, 649, 405, 518, 444

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,261,250 7/1966 Parks etal. 83/557 Primary Examiner-J. M. Meister Attorney, Agent, orFirm-Gardiner, Sixbey, Bradford & Carlson [57] ABSTRACT Method andapparatus is disclosed for editing and mounting segments of recordingtape containing prerecorded visual information, such as segments of anelectrocardiogram (ECG) recording tape. The disclosed apparatus includesan editor for storing and feeding the tape past a window through whichthe tape may be viewed. Upon detection of a desired tape segment, thetape is halted and marked with the aid of a scale mounted adjacent thewindow opening. Thereafter, the tape is severed at each mark to form asegment having a longitudinal length corresponding to the particulartype of information contained on the severed tape segment. In thepreferred embodiment, the apparatus is adapted to processelectrocardiographic recording tape and the editor scale includes a zeromark and a plurality of index marks spaced from the zero mark bydistances corresponding to the desired longitudinal length of variousgroups of lead segments such as ECG leads I-III, V, -V aVR, aVL and aVF.The method includes mounting the lead segments in a predetenninedoverlapped sequence in order to display all standard ECG lead segmentswithin an area of 8 Va by 8 /2 inches on a standardized lead segmentmounting chart. To assist in alignment of the various lead segments,corresponding alignment holes may be formed in both the lead segmentsand mounting chart. A base having a plurality of upright pegs isprovided to receive the mounting chart and punched segments in apredetermined arrangement.

19 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EDITING ANDMOUNTING TAPE CONTAINING RECORDED INFORMATION BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a methodand apparatus for editing and mounting visual information recorded ontape.

2. Description of the Prior Art It is commonplace in many fields oftechnology to record information, such as electrocardiographicinformation, in a visual form on standardized elongated strips of tape.The amount of recorded data is often far in excess of that which isnecessary or pertinent for immediate analysis and/or for storage andfuture reference. This problem is ordinarily solved by visuallyinspecting the tape for selection of representative segments which areremoved with scissors for mounting on a mounting chart, thereby forminga composite record of the selected information.

Modern electrocardiographs are generally capable of producing twelvestandardized leads proportional to potentials measured by electrodesplaced at selected locations on the patients body. These lead signalsinclude:

Lead I difference of potential between the left arm and the right armLead II difference of potential between the left leg and the right armLead III difference of potential between the left leg and the left armLead aVR augmented difference in potential between the right arm and theleft arm and leg electrically connected together Lead aVL augmenteddifference in potential between the left arm and the right arm and leftleg electrically connected together Lead aVF augmented difference inpotential between the left leg and the left and right arms electricallyconnected together Leads V through Va potential measurements,

taken at predetermined chest locations of the patient.

An unedited ECG tape includes successive sections containing visuallyrecorded information such as a line tracing for each of the above twelveleads. Numerous attempts have been made to provide an efficient editorfor facilitating selection and removal of sample segments representativeof each lead and for providing a standardized mounting chart fordisplaying and storing the selected segments. For example, US. Pat. No.3,261,250 to Littmann discloses an ECG lead segment cutting deviceincluding a rectangular cutting blade adapted to remove segments ofconstant uniform size. Furthermore, US. Pat. No. 3,382,127 to Littmannet al. discloses a method for mountingECG lead segments of uniform sizeon a standardized chart including a frame adapted to facilitatealignment of the lead segments with preselected areas on the chart.

While the disclosed Littmann system is well suited for the purposeintended, an ideal ECG mounting system would permit all twelve segmentsrecorded on standard 2% inch wide ECG tape to be displayed on one sideof a standard chart (8 /2 by 11 inches) with sufficient space left forpatient data and comments. Obviously,

the Littmann chart cannot provide these characteristics since the entirechart surface is used to display twelve leads. In the ideal system, eachof the lead segments must be sufficiently long to display all of therequired information. This length differs with the type of lead inquestion. For example, at least one lead, preferably lead II, should belong enough to permit identification of the auricular complex andaccurately determine the pulse rate. Accordingly, lead II should beapproximately 6 inches of standard ECG tape. The remaining leads may beconsiderably shorter. Accordingly, a simplified ECG tape editor systemis needed for facilitating division of a standard ECG tape into selectedsegments of varying predetermined lengths, depending upon the type ofinformation contained thereon. At the same time, the system should beadaptable to a variety of tape widths while facilitating accuratemarking of desired tape segments for subsequent cutting intopredetermined lengths required by the particular chart on which thesegments are to be mounted.

Tape editing devices are, of course, notoriously well known for avariety of specific applications. For example, note US. Pat. No.1,044,258 to Schaffer issued Nov. 12, 1912, which discloses a device formending film including a film clamp, cutter and gauge mounted on asingle base. No tape editor, however, has been disclosed which permitsviewing of the tape for selection of desired segments and for marking ofthe ends of the selected segments in varying lengths depending upon theinformation contained on the segments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The primary purpose of this invention is toprovide both method and apparatus for accurately and easily editing tapecontaining visual information to form seg ments of predetermined sizes.To realize this purpose, apparatus is provided by which unedited tape isviewed and marked with the aid of a scale to permit accurate removal ofselected segments having predetermined lengths corresponding to theinformation contained on the tape.

Another purpose of this invention is to provide apparatus for editing atape containing precorded visual information by selecting and removinginformation segments each of which has one of a plurality ofpredetermined lengths corresponding to the particular type ofinformation contained on the segment. The apparatus includes a base forstoring the tape for longitudinal advance over a top portion of thebase. Guide means are provided for guiding the tape including a coverelement having a window through which the information contained on thetape may be viewed. Mounted adjacent one edge of the window is a scalefor permitting a selected segment of the tape to be accurately marked atend points separated by a predetermined distance corresponding to thetype of information contained on the segment. After being marked, thetape may be severed at each mark location to form tape segments ofpredetermined length.

Still another object of this invention is to insure alignment of theremoved segments by providing means for punching accurately positionedalignment holes in each information segment. In one embodiment the punchmeans includes a base and pivoted upper portion mounted on the base fortranslational movement between predetermined locations corresponding tothe scale index marks.

A more specific object of the method of this invention is to formelectrocardiogram lead segments having predetermined lengths formounting on a standardized chart (8 /2 by ll inches) in a mannerdesigned to display the maximum amount of information in the minimumamount of space.

A further object of the method of this invention is to provide steps bywhich the twelve standard ECG lead segments may be mounted on astandardized chart (8% by ll inches) by overlapping the upper margin ofselected lead segments with other lead segments or by removing the uppermargin entirely. This objective is obtainecl, however, without reducingthe total amount of information ordinarily displayed on a standard ECGchart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view of anapparatus for editing electrocardiogram tape in accordance with oneembodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus disclosed in FIG. 1 takenfrom the back side and disclosing means for storing unedited tape;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view partially cut away of a cover element forholding the tap in the upper portion of the editingapparatus inaccordance with another embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of yet another modified form ofthe cover element in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one portion of the cover elementillustrated in FIG. 4 taken along lines 5-5;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a cover element arranged inaccordance with still another embodiment of the subject inventionwherein the cover element is mounted for translational motion withrespect to the base of the editing apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the editor apparatus in accordancewith this invention illustrating a cutter element for removing the uppermargin of an information tape; and

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an alignment base including aplurality of upstanding pegs to be received in apertures formed in amounting chart and lead segments to form a composite electrocardiogramdisplay.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference is made to FIG. 1wherein an apparatus 2 for editing tape such as standardelectrocardiogram tape is illustrated including a base 4 having aremovable upper plate 5 on which is mounted a guide means 6 for guidingtape over the upper plate. The guide means 6 includes a pair ofelongated bars 7 mounted on plate 5 along the longitudinal edges of thetape and a cover element 8 containing a window 10 through which theinformation recorded on the tape may be viewed as the tape is advancedby hand or by mechanical drive (not shown) over the upper portion of thebase.

Cover element 8 is mounted by hinges to one elongated bar 7 by a pair ofhinges 9, whereby the cover element may be lifted by means of handle 11for initial feeding of the end portion of an unedited tape into guidemeans 6. Upon rotation of the cover element into the normal positionbridging bars '7, the tape is secured within the guide means and may beviewed and marked through window It) of cover element 8. In order tofacilitate viewing of the unedited tape through window It the upperplate 5 of the base is arranged at an angle a between 30 and 45 withrespect to the horizontal. Gauge means 12 are provided for permitting aselected segment of the tape to be accurately marked at end pointsseparated by a predetermined distance corresponding to the type ofinformation contained on the selected segment. Such marking may occurwhile the selected information segment is positioned within window 10 ofthe guide means cover element 8. Gauge means I2 includes a scale 14adjacent one edge of the window parallel to the longitudinal axis of thetape. As indicated in FIG. 1, scale 14 may have a zero mark 16 and aplurality of index marks 18 spaced from the zero mark by distancescorresponding to the abovementioned predetermined length, respectively.Window 10 within cover element 8 is rectangular and one edge of thecover element adjacent a longitudinal edge of the tape is sloped towardthe tape to form a scale mounting surface immediately adjacent the tape,whereby the index markings on scale M are brought immediately adjacentthe longitudinal edge of the tape segment to be marked. Errors due toparallax are thereby substantially eliminated. At one end of the coverelement 8, adjacent the point of exit of the tape being edited, severingmeans 20 are provided for cutting the tape perpendicularly to thelongitudinal axis of the tape. While in FIG. I the tape editor isadapted for movement of tape from right to left, it is of coursepossible to design the tape editor for movement of tape in the oppositedirection, depending on whether the operator is left or right handed.When a tape segment is marked while contained within the cover window,the marked segments may be advanced to the severing means which in FIG.II is illustrated as a pivoted bar cutting element 22. By employing abar cutting element, the tape segment may be severed with extremeaccuracy to form an information segment of predetermined lengthcorresponding to the information contained on the segment.

As will be explained more completely below, selected lead segments, suchas ECG lead segments, often necessitate accurate alignment on astandardized chart in such a manner as to minimize the amount of spacerequired for display of the information contained thereon. To assist inthis alignment process, punch means 24 are provided for punching atleast one alignment hole in a selected segment of tape when the segmentis positioned within the cover element window It The punch meansincludes a base element 26 containing a pair of apertures 28 and anupper portion 30 pivotally mounted to the base portion and having a pairof punches 32 positioned to project through the upper surface of thetape into the apertures of the base portion as the upper portion isrotated toward the base portion. As illustrated in FIG. I, the upperplate 5 of base 4 includes a recess 36 for permitting the base elementof the punch means to be translated along the longitudinal path of thetape to preselected positions corresponding to the desired location ofthe alignment holes in the information segment being punched. In otherwords, the punch means is translatable to preselected positions whereinthe punch means may be used to punch holes in the tape segments inaccordance with the location of corresponding alignment holes in astandardized mounting chart. The arcuate positioning of these alignmentholes permits the use of a specially designed alignment base to beexplained more fully below. The base element 26 and upper portion 30 aremounted for longitudinal movement along a rod element 38 connected withthe upper plate 5. A plurality of indentations 40 are provided along rod38 to receive a spring biased detent 12 adapted to retain the punchmeans in a preselected position along rod 38. Base element 26 and upperportion 30 are biased apart by a spring element 44; the punch meansbeing operable by depression of handle 46 to force punches 32 throughthe tape segment and into apertures 28. Of course if the alignment pegboard is specially designed, the required holes may be arranged so asnot to require translation of the punch means.

As illustrated more clearly in EKG. 2., the base 6 in cludes storagemeans as having a peg 56 connected with base 4 around which a role ofunedited tape may be rotatably mounted. By arranging peg Stl at an angleB equal in magnitude to the orientation of the upper plate 5, the tapemay be unrolled and advanced through slot 54 contained in one side ofthe base into the guide means 6 mounted on upper plate 5. A shelf 55,illustrated in dotted lines, may be included to provide additionalstorage means for storing a roll of tape.

FIG. 3 illustrates a modification of the cover element illustrated inFIG. 2 in that the guide means 6 includes a cover element 56 which isU-shaped and is secured to the upper plate 66 of the base i to permitthe tape to enter the guide means 6 through an open portion 56 of theU-shaped cover element 56, thereby facilitating initial feeding of thetape into the guide means. The upper plate 60 of base 4 includes alaterally extending portion 62 at one side of the base and U-shapedcover element 56 is mounted on bars 7 to form an exit slot 64 for thetape between the interconnecting portion 66 of the U-shaped coverelement 56 and the upper plate extension 62. To permit manualpositioning of the tape within the exit slot 66, the upper plateextension 62 contains an opening 66 immediately below theinterconnecting portion 66 of the U-shaped cover 56 which opening issufficiently large to permit insertion of an operators finger forengagement with the under surface of the tape. The lower edge 76 of theinterconnecting portion 66 or the upper edge of extension 62 immediatelyadjacent slot 66 may be sharpened in order to provide a cutting edgeagainst which the tape may be severed, thereby eliminating the need fora bar cutting element. Both cover element 6 illustrated in FIG. 11 andcover element 56 illustrated in F116. 3 may be formed of transparentmaterial to further facilitate feeding and positioning of the tapewithin the guide means.

Referring now to FIG. 4', a further embodiment of the guide means isdisclosed wherein the cover element includes a pair of removableelongated bars 72, 7d secured by wing nuts 79 to a pair of upstandingthreaded studs 78 mounted on upper plate 5 and received in apertures 76of the elongated bars. Bars 72, 7d are positioned along eachlongitudinal edge of the tape and extend inwardly toward thelongitudinal edges, respectively, for a distance sufficient to define achannel having a width equal at least to the width of the tape.Different sized tape may be accommodated by changing the widths of thebars 72, 76 or by forming transverse slots either in plate 5 or in bars72 and 76 for receiving studs, thereby permitting transverse adjustmentwithin a predetermined range. Each bar includes an upper lip 66extending over the associated longitudinal edge of the tape. Upper lips66 secure the tape within the guide means and at the same time permitthe tape to be viewed and marked in the space therebetween. The guidemeans, as illustrated in FIG. 6, also include a permanently attachedelement 62 for forming an exit slot 63 through which the tape passes outof the editor. In order to more easily mark the end points of a selectedtape segment, a plurality of markers 84 are mounted for longitudinalmovement within a lip of one bar 72. Each marker 66 is aligned with oneindex supporting the tape scale lid. Each marker 86 passes through oneof the marks on the scale. Accordingly, markers 84 are spaced by adistance equal to the predetermined length associated with informationrecorded to tape. As illustrated more clearly in FIG. 5, each marker 84is spring biased away from the upper surface of the tape by a springelement 66. To mark the tape in the desired location, marker b ll merelyneeds to be depressed into engagement with the tape margin to form adepression in the tape or to impart a marking substance contained on anend 66 of the marker. Disposable punches could also be mounted in thisfashion.

With reference to FIG. 6, yet another embodiment of the guide meansconstructed in accordance with this invention is disclosed wherein acover element 90 is mounted for translational movement toward and awayfrom the upper surface of an information tape contained within the guidemeans. Cover element 90 may be supported on pins 92 and normally springbiased in the upper direction by spring elements (not illustrated). Oneor more punch elements 94 may be mounted in depending fashion from coverelement 90 in alignment with corresponding apertures contained in theupper plate 5, whereby alignment apertures may be formed in a selectedtape segment by depression of the cover element will.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cutter element 96 positioned within the exit slotof a guide means 6 in accordance with this invention whereby the cuttingelement 96 is arranged to sever the upper margin of the tape beingadvanced through the exit slot.

FIG. tit illustrates a method and apparatus for mounting standard ECGlead segments on a prepunched chart (8 /2 by l l inches) wherein eachsegment has been cut in accordance with the following table fromstandard ECG tape having a total width of 2% inches and a upper marginof /2 inch. i

TABLE OF LlEAlD SEGMENT LENGTHS LEAD SEGMENTS LENGTH I, III, nVR, aVLand aVF 2 inches V, through V 2% inches II 6 inches positioned withinthe smallest allowable area which at the same time permits maximumdisplay of the information contained thereon. That is to say the pegsare arranged to receive and space the lead segments in four laterallyextending rows with lead segments 1 and II being arranged in endabutting relationship in one row, segments lIl, aVR, aVL, and aVF beingarranged in end abutting relationship in a second row and segments Vthrough V being arranged in end abutting relationship in the remainingpair of rows. As can be seen in H6. 8, the pegs 1106 and apertures 1%are positioned to cause the upper margins of the lead segments in eachof the lower three rows to be overlapped by the next higher row ofsegments whereby the information contained in these segments may befully displayed on a single mounting chart within an area of 8% by 8V2inches. By cutting the lead segments to the prescribed dimensions and byoverlapping the upper margin containing non-recorded data in theordinary ECG tape, the maximum amount of information may be displayed inthe minimum amount of space on a standard hospital chart ordinarily 8 /2by 1 1 inches. When using the peg board, the bottom row of segmentsshould be mounted first. The lead segment lengths fully comply with therequirement that sufficient length be allowed for the full display ofthe electrocardiographic information and at least one of the leads,i.e., lead ll, is sufficiently long to permit identification of theauricular complex and to accurately determine the pulse rate. The pegboard mounting system may also be used with segments from which theupper margin has been removed by punching alignment holes in theremaining portion of the segment.

It should be understood, however, that the disclosed method for forminga complete electrocardiograph display from unedited standard ECG tape(2% inches wide having a /2 inch upper margin) does not require the useof a peg alignment base 104 by may rely merely upon a standardized ECGdisplay chart which includes alignment lines indicating the appropriateareas for mounting of each respective lead segment. Accordingly, thecritical features of the method in accordance with this invention arethe steps of selecting and severing lead segments from an unedited tapeof standard width having lengths in accordance with the above table andthe step of arranging the lead segments in four laterally extending rowsin end abutting relationship in accordance with the grouping illustratedin FIG. 8. By these steps, the area occupied by the proper margin of thelead segments in each of the lower three rows of segments is covered bythe next higher row of segments. Accordingly, the upper margins may beoverlapped by other lead segments or the margins may be removed prior tomounting on a standardized chart by means of a cutting apparatus such asdisclosed in FIG. 7.

A method and apparatus has been disclosed for editing tape containingprerecorded visual information by selecting and removing segments eachof which has one of a plurality of predetermined lengths correspondingto the particular type of information contained on the segments. Thedisclosed apparatus is extremely simple in design yet is readily adaptedto different sized tape and to formation of varying sized tape segments.The apparatus is also well suited to permit arrangement of segments on amounting chart in a minimum amount of space. Accordingly, the method andapparatus is particularly well suited to editing and mounting of ECGtapes in a manner providing for a maximum display of information withina minimum amount of space.

1 claim:

1. Apparatus for editing a tape containing prerecorded visualinformation by selecting and removing information segments each of whichhas one of a plurality of predetermined lengths, corresponding to theparticular types of information contained on the segment, comprising a.a base;

b. a storage means contained within said base for storing the tape andfor permitting the tape to be advanced longitudinally outwardly fromsaid base;

0. guide means for guiding the tape over the upper portion of said base,said guide means including a cover element connected with said base,said cover element containing a window through which the informationrecorded on the tape may be viewed as the tape is advanced over saidbase;

d. gauge means for permitting a selected segment of the tape to beaccurately marked at end points separated by the predetermined distancecorresponding to the type of information contained on the segment whilethe selected information segment is positioned within the window of thecover element, said gauge means including a scale adjacent one edge ofsaid window parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tape, said scalehaving a zero mark and a plurality of index marks spaced from said zeromark by distances corresponding to said predetermined lengths,respectively; and

e. severing means for severing the tape perpendicularly to thelongitudinal axis of the tape at marked segment end points to form aninformation segment of predetermined length corresponding to theinformation contained on the segment.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said storage means includesa peg for rotatably supporting a roll of the prerecorded tape.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said storage means includesa shelf for supporting a roll of the prerecorded tape.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said cover element is formedof transparent material.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein said cover element isU-shaped and is secured to the upper portion of said base to permit thetape to enter the guide means through the open portion of the U-shapedcover, thereby facilitating initial feeding of the tape into the guidemeans.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim ll, wherein said guide means includes apair of elongated bars connected with said base along the longitudinaledges of the tape as the tape passes over the upper portion of saidbase.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said cover element issecured by hinges to one of said bars, whereby the tape may be initiallyplaced between said bars when said cover element is rotated upwardly andthe tape is retained between said bars when said cover element isrotated to a position bridging said bars.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein the window within said coverelement is rectangular and one edge of said cover element adjacent onelongitudinal edge of the tape is sloped toward the tape to form athinned section immediately adjacent the tape, and wherein said scale ismounted on said sloped edge, whereby the tape may be marked more nearlyin alignment with said index marks.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim wherein said base includes an upperplate positioned between 30 and 45 to horizontal, said upper plateextending laterally from one side of said base, said U-shaped coverbeing positioned adjacent said upper plate to form an exit slot for thetape between the interconnecting portion of said U shaped cover elementopposite said open portion and said upper plate extension, said upperplate containing an opening immediately below said interconnectingportion of said U-shaped cover element to permit manual positioning ofthe tape within the exit slot.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 1,wherein said base includes at leasta pair of threaded upstanding studs along each longitudinal edge of thetape and wherein said cover element includes a pair of removableelongated bars, each said bar containing a pair of apertures forreceiving said studs to position said bars along the longitudinal edges,respectively, of the tape, at least one of said bars supporting saidscale.

11. Apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said bars extend inwardlytoward the longitudinal edges of the tape, respectively, for a distancesufficient to define a channel having a width equal to the width of thetape, each said bar includes an upper lip extending over the associatedlongitudinal edge of the tape.

12. Apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein said bar which is adaptedto support said scale includes a plurality of upwardly biased markersaligned with the marks on said scale, respectively, and extendingthrough said upper lip of said scale supporting bar, whereby the tapemay be marked by depression of a selected marker.

13. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said severing meansincludes a bar cutter mounted adjacent the exit end of the coverelement.

14. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said severing meansincludes a sharpened straight edge adjacent the exit end of said coverelement, whereby the tape may be torn against said sharpened straightedge.

15. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including a punch means forpunching at least one aligning hole in a selected segment of tape whensaid selected segment is positioned within the cover element window.

16. Apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein said punch means includesa base element positioned below the path of the tape containing a pairof apertures, an upper portion pivotally mounted to said base portionhaving a pair of punches positioned to project through the upper surfaceof the tape into the apertures of the base portion to form a pair ofaligning holes within the tape.

17. Apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said punch means islaterally displaceable along the longitudinal path of the tape topreselected positions corresponding to the desired location of thealignment holes in the information segment being punched.

18. Apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein said cover element ismounted for translational movement normal to the surface of the tape:segment positioned within the window of said cover element, said coverelement being biased away from the tape and wherein said punch meansincludes at least a single punch element connected with said coverelement in alignment with a corresponding aperture contained in saidbase, whereby depression of said cover element forms an aligning hole inthe selected tape segment.

19. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, and further including a margincutting means mounted on said base for removing a strip of predeterminedwidth along one longitudinal edge of the tape.

1. Apparatus for editing a tape containing prerecorded visualinformation by selecting and removing information segments each of whichhas one of a plurality of predetermined lengths, corresponding to theparticular types of information contained on the segment, comprising a.a base; b. a storage means contained within said base for storing thetape and for permitting the tape to be advanced longitudinally outwardlyfrom said base; c. guide means for guiding the tape over the upperportion of said base, said guide means including a cover elementconnected with said base, said cover element containing a window throughwhich the information recorded on the tape may be viewed as the tape isadvanced over said base; d. gauge means for permitting a selectedsegment of the tape to be accurately marked at end points separated bythe predetermined distance corresponding to the type of informationcontained on the segment while the selected information segment ispositioned within the window of the cover element, said gauge meansincluding a scale adjacent one edge of said window parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the tape, said scale having a zero mark and aplurality of index marks spaced from said zero mark by distancescorresponding to said predetermined lengths, respectively; and e.severing means for severing the tape perpendicularly to the longitudinalaxis of the tape at marked segment end points to form an informationsegment of predetermined length corresponding to the informationcontained on the segment.
 2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, whereinsaid storage means includes a peg for rotatably supporting a roll of theprerecorded tape.
 3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein saidstorage means includes a shelf for supporting a roll of the prerecordedtape.
 4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said cover element isformed of transparent material.
 5. Apparatus as defined in claim 1,wherein said cover element is U-shaped and is secured to the upperportion of said base to permit the tape to enter the guide means throughthe open portion of the U-shaped cover, thereby facilitating initialfeeding of the tape into the guide means.
 6. ApParatus as defined inclaim 1, wherein said guide means includes a pair of elongated barsconnected with said base along the longitudinal edges of the tape as thetape passes over the upper portion of said base.
 7. Apparatus as definedin claim 6, wherein said cover element is secured by hinges to one ofsaid bars, whereby the tape may be initially placed between said barswhen said cover element is rotated upwardly and the tape is retainedbetween said bars when said cover element is rotated to a positionbridging said bars.
 8. Apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein thewindow within said cover element is rectangular and one edge of saidcover element adjacent one longitudinal edge of the tape is slopedtoward the tape to form a thinned section immediately adjacent the tape,and wherein said scale is mounted on said sloped edge, whereby the tapemay be marked more nearly in alignment with said index marks. 9.Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said base includes an upperplate positioned between 30* and 45* to horizontal, said upper plateextending laterally from one side of said base, said U-shaped coverbeing positioned adjacent said upper plate to form an exit slot for thetape between the interconnecting portion of said U-shaped cover elementopposite said open portion and said upper plate extension, said upperplate containing an opening immediately below said interconnectingportion of said U-shaped cover element to permit manual positioning ofthe tape within the exit slot.
 10. Apparatus as defined in claim 1,wherein said base includes at least a pair of threaded upstanding studsalong each longitudinal edge of the tape and wherein said cover elementincludes a pair of removable elongated bars, each said bar containing apair of apertures for receiving said studs to position said bars alongthe longitudinal edges, respectively, of the tape, at least one of saidbars supporting said scale.
 11. Apparatus as defined in claim 10,wherein said bars extend inwardly toward the longitudinal edges of thetape, respectively, for a distance sufficient to define a channel havinga width equal to the width of the tape, each said bar includes an upperlip extending over the associated longitudinal edge of the tape. 12.Apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein said bar which is adapted tosupport said scale includes a plurality of upwardly biased markersaligned with the marks on said scale, respectively, and extendingthrough said upper lip of said scale supporting bar, whereby the tapemay be marked by depression of a selected marker.
 13. Apparatus asdefined in claim 1, wherein said severing means includes a bar cuttermounted adjacent the exit end of the cover element.
 14. Apparatus asdefined in claim 1, wherein said severing means includes a sharpenedstraight edge adjacent the exit end of said cover element, whereby thetape may be torn against said sharpened straight edge.
 15. Apparatus asdefined in claim 1 further including a punch means for punching at leastone aligning hole in a selected segment of tape when said selectedsegment is positioned within the cover element window.
 16. Apparatus asdefined in claim 15, wherein said punch means includes a base elementpositioned below the path of the tape containing a pair of apertures, anupper portion pivotally mounted to said base portion having a pair ofpunches positioned to project through the upper surface of the tape intothe apertures of the base portion to form a pair of aligning holeswithin the tape.
 17. Apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein saidpunch means is laterally displaceable along the longitudinal path of thetape to preselected positions corresponding to the desired location ofthe alignment holes in the information segment being punched. 18.Apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein said cover element is mountedfor translational movement normal to the surface of the tape segmentpositioned within the window of said cover elemeNt, said cover elementbeing biased away from the tape and wherein said punch means includes atleast a single punch element connected with said cover element inalignment with a corresponding aperture contained in said base, wherebydepression of said cover element forms an aligning hole in the selectedtape segment.
 19. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, and further includinga margin cutting means mounted on said base for removing a strip ofpredetermined width along one longitudinal edge of the tape.